Apr 10: The UAE reported 331 new coronavirus cases - through extensive testing - and two deaths late Thursday night.
The UAE conducted over 40,000 coronavirus tests over the past two days across various segments of society, including citizens and residents, using latest state-of-the-art-technology in line with the Ministry of Health and Prevention's plans to intensify Covid-19 screenings to contain the spread of the virus.
The Ministry also revealed that two patients suffering from Covid-19, an Asian national and an Arab, had died due to complications caused by the virus. Both of the deceased had prior chronic illnesses. The total number of deaths has now reached 14.
UAE announced on Thursday that places of worship will be closed in the country until further notice - amid the coronavirus situation. Authorities decided to extend the closure of mosques, churches and other places of worship in the UAE until further notice for the safety of community members, Wam reported. The measure has been taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the country.
The decision was taken in coordination with the National Authority for Emergency and Disaster Management, the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments, federal, local religious bodies and health authorities in the state.
Residents face deportation for breaking rules
People who repeatedly flout 'stay at home' measures and endanger others' lives are inviting harsh punishments including deportation, a senior police officer has said.
"The UAE's Attorney-General has already announced the fines and punishments for breaking rules on social distancing and curfew restrictions. Repeated offenders or those who commit crimes that have a 'snowball' effect on the society will be fined, jailed and deported at the end of their term," said Col Saeed Al Hajeri, head of the Cyber Crime Department at Dubai Police, in an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times.
Al Hajeri said the Dubai police are tightening the noose against violators by resorting to 'naming and shaming' them.
The officer said 'reckless residents' will face serious consequences as they are not allowing the government to serve the people.i.
Movement permit not to be misused
The officer said residents should not misuse the movement permit introduced by the Dubai Police and those who go out without a permit will be fined on their Emirates ID. Al Hajeri said they expect residents to be highly responsible. "Those who are exempted from taking movement permit can use the company letter to go to work but not for other purposes. You cannot fool the system by obtaining a permit for buying medicine and then going out to visit your sister or brother."
Social media as a double-edged sword
Warning people against circulating rumours and videos mocking authorities, the he said people should instead use the time to be productive or creative.
"We encourage people to use this time to learn new skills and not create scams and endanger the society. This is a difficult time and it will pass. What is more important is what you gain out of this."
Col Al Hajeri said the Dubai Police are aware that many people are using social media as a positive tool and encourage them. "We encourage that, and want people to use social media for positive messaging, to spread awareness about personal hygiene, social distancing and various precautions to be followed."
13 new drive-through coronavirus test centres open across UAE
Thirteen new drive-through testing facilities for Covid-19 have been opened across the UAE over the recent days. The Abu Dhabi Media Office on Thursday reported that under the directives of His Highness Sheikkh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, 13 additional Covid-19 drive-through testing facilities were opened in 10 days, in addition to the centre previously opened in Zayed Sports City in AbuDhabi.
According to authorities, more than 12,000 people have been tested since the centres opened .
The examination process begins by booking an appointment in advance by calling the 8001717 Estijaba centre, or through the SEHA smart application, for an initial assessment.
Priority will be given to those with symptoms, senior citizens, pregnant women and those who suffer from chronic diseases.
Precautionary examinations costs Dh370, and payment will be done electronically through the SEHA application.
50,000 workers to be screened in a month
A massive initiative has been launched by healthcare provider Right Health and Al Futtaim Health's HealthHub to screen 50,000 workers for Covid-19 within a month.
Out of the 58 facilities across the UAE, 33 primary health centres of the Right Health are located at the workers' accommodation areas in Jebel Ali, Sonapur and Al Qouz.
"We will be working with businesses across the UAE to ensure their workforces stay safe and healthy. It is essential that private healthcare providers do everything they can to support the government's efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. The objective of this campaign is to screen as many people as possible.
Crime falls by 96% in Sharjah
A massive drop in crimes has been observed in Sharjah after the implementation of Covid-19 precautionary measures. The crime rate has declined by 96 per cent, according to the Sharjah Police. Only 48 cases were reported in the emirate during this period compared to 717 cases registered last year.
Dispose of masks, gloves safely, say police
Motorists caught throwing face masks and gloves out of their vehicle windows will be fined Dh1,000 and six black points will be registered against their driving licences, the police have warned. The Abu Dhabi Police on Thursday said some people have been throwing used masks and gloves out of the car windows, violating traffic laws. "The masks and gloves pose a threat to public health and the environment. They may have been contaminated and lead to the spread of diseases," the police said in a statement. The police also noted that adhering to precautionary measures that prevent the spread of communicable diseases is everyone's responsibility.
Medical experts explain UAE's high Covid-19 recovery and low death rates
Compared to global rates of Covid-19, the UAE has been showing very high recovery and very low death rates.
According to statistics made available on the World O Meter, the Covid-19 death rate in the UAE is only 0.5 per cent of the total 2,659 infected.
Khaleej Times reached out to UAE doctors and medical experts who have attributed this phenomenon to the UAE's high healthcare standards, the country's predominant younger population, and residents' compliance to the Stay at Home guidelines.
'UAE age structure plays a role'
However, Dr Standford said: "Although death occurs at all ages, there is a predominance of the elderly. The age structure in the UAE is completely different from most countries outside the GCC as there is a predominance of young expatriates here under work permits.
He added: "Most (expatriates) will leave the country by the age of 60. There is therefore only 1.5 per cent of residents aged 65 or more. Compare this with a country like the UK where the equivalent number is 18.2 per cent."
Early intervention
Dr Jacob Cherian, specialist internal medicine, Medcare Medical Centre Marina and medical director for Medcare Medical Centres, attributed early intervention and intensive testing as one of the main reasons for the UAE's faster recovery rates.
"Compared to other countries, the UAE adopted early intervention measures. The UAE closed schools and limited social gatherings when there were hardly any cases," he said. Compliance from residents and a relatively younger and healthier population are other reasons for the lower death rates and high recovery rates, according to Dr Jacob.
Pakistan extends suspension flight operations till April 21
The Pakistan government has extended the suspension of domestic and international flight operations in the country until April 21 in a bid to contain the coronavirus spread, said a notification issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
In its last notification, the CAA had said that diplomatic, special/cargo flights and flights of national carrier to/from Pakistan holding special approval from the competent authority for transporting stranded passengers would be exempted from the ban.
After paying negotiated fine amount to Saudi Telecom Company, judge Saad Al Garni who is chairing the probe into the case, had recently ordered the release of three of the four prisoners - Riyaz Bajpe, Fairoz Ullal and Nasir Bunder.
Comments
Shame on u ppl, rather than being happy for the release of one of our brothers u r blaming each other and some organisation...because of this attitude ur community never unite....specially mangalorean mentality is so cheap never understand anything n don't want to improve as well....shame on u negative thinkers... always remember think good...be good....do good....
I know Nasir personally when he was growing up in Bunder, Jumma Masjid road. He is a victim of social pressure we beary community put on our young men. Only measure we use is financial accomplishment of men and not how they get there. Young men are subjected to keeping up with jones syndrome where money is required to get there. Dowry system (Unislamic) and lavish wedding expenses primarily drive this. Beary's are moving away from Islam and clinging on the material life. The religious leaders don't speak up against this as they are gaining from this materially.
I wish Nasir all the best and may Allah provide him endurance to deal with the stigma.
@ shaukath, what was happening people don know the fact dey speak wrongly, we have worked on it so they know the truth, u can inquire about me, am working in jubail k, give me ur full contact details and i will tell u who is liars.....
Some PFI and IFF supporters always start their comment with a lie: \i am not a PFI or IFF supporter.\" Lairs are never trustworthy."
Am not a member or supporters of IFF , I want to tell the fact wat actually happened, 13 years dey were in jail first 7 years all were scared to contact dem nor legally contacted for the release , since last 5 years IFF followed the case and legally hired a lawyer to fight the matter in court , as it was huge amount IFF requested Althaf ullal to join hands to collect funds and he took responsible to arrange funds as required, but it was not so easy to convince business men in this matter and finally approached and funds were almost done and IFF contributed Good amount also, by giving money matter is not solved, IFF done great work for further formalities to release of this three guys, U can ask donors if wat said is not true .....
As per my knowledge, IFF did not spend a single penny in this cause. many NRI businessmen in Saudi Arabia paid a huge amount of money. CD boss also paid money for their release. but CD report did not mention that in the report. Only IFF wants publicity. Now it is obvious that u want name and not reward. dont worry. Allah will fulfill your niyyah!
Dear All,
why CD has to support IFF, My humble request to CD is not to support these kind of organizations, you will regret at the end if you support these Jahils, you people first learn the basic of the Deen, your keeping muslim youth from learning basic of their deen and busying them in other activities which are no use in this world and in hereafter.
Alhamdulilh !! Masha Allah!May Allah give Hafiya & Hidaya to brother Althaf Ullal & Suhail Kandak & all other subordinates
Dear all please don't request to CD to Mention IFF name, All know who is behind this case, Insha allah, Allah will give all rewards for those who work behind this case
CD is always against IFF all know this.they only publish 1 minister's update even if he dance !!!!!!!!!!!
also CD will not Digest IFF name !!
Alhamdulillah, Welcome back home Nasser.....
Everyone knows who is behind this noble yet coastal digest has failed to publish the name of it. Don't know the reason but one thing is don't be biased on publishing news.
Why these type of reports ! CD should mention IFF for their great Effort !
Dear Respected Readers and Wellwishers indeed its a good thing that those guys are out of Jail and reached their home safely alhamdulillah. Let me clarify you one thing that, The Guy who took this initiative before 8 years in jeddah to release these people is Mr. Suhail Kandak, who is In Mangalore now days. Even he worked very honestly behalf of those guys. So lets not forget his contribution too in this case. As well as donors who supported. Thanks
Great news masha ALLAH ...
how come this Article miss the name of India Fraternity Forum ..they are the one behind this case from last 6 years, really a great dedication & efforts, finally they archived with the help of kind hearted business peoples, Hats off to IFF effort & contributed business icons.
#6@ shamusuddeen,we can unreasteand your mind ,clean your heart and say alhamdulillah..
How IFF are ready to help tainted people, even I was asking them earlier to help some tainted people they refused and they said that we are not helping hand to tainted people, something is fishy in this matter.
Masha Allah great News. BOTH OF THEM IFF AND BUSINESS CAN DO ANYTHING , THIS IS THE RESULT. MAY ALLAH BLESS WITH HIS MERCY BOTH OF THEM IN FUTURE CASE IF ANY.
Good work by IFF and Donors who helped these guys to come out of the jail. May Allah bless you all. Keep go on doing such good social work we will be there with you.
Good news. May allah bless the NRI businessmen for their noble work. Really it will inspire others.
I request with coastal Digest please mention IFF name because i heard that IFF is behind of them for walk free from jail
May Allah bless the NRI businessmen, who helped these poor guys to come out from the prison. It is the real Ibada /prayer, which takes us to Jannah!! Definitely they will get the reward for such good deed!!
Add new comment